The Novaks — The Novaks

Despite being a decade late and from the wrong province, Newfoundland lads The Novaks would have had no trouble fitting into the mid-'90s Halifax scene. With the catchy, bluesy songs on their self-titled debut, the band face inescapable comparisons to that city's pop-rock kings, Sloan and Joel Plaskett. There's also singer Mick Davis' appropriation of a Tom Petty sneer (circa '76, so it's OK). While it doesn't take x-ray specs to see the band's influences, these are good footsteps to walk in. The LP isn't as rowdy or dynamic as The Novaks' live show, but it's still a time-warp treat.

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